Teapot
MakerAttributed to
Andrew Stevenson
(English, 1816 - 1830)
Date1816-1830
MediumMold-formed buff-colored earthenware with blue-tinted glaze and underglaze cobalt blue decoration
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 4 7/8 x 8 5/8 x 5in. (12.4 x 21.9 x 12.7cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of the heirs of Morgan B. Brainard
Object number1961.1.2
DescriptionRectangular teapot of buff-colored earthenware with a blue-tinted glaze, a type of ceramic known as pearlware. The teapot sits on a rectangular foot and has swelled sides that narrow and then flare again just below the rim. A molded spout and handle have been applied on opposite sides of the teapot, just on top of two mold lines in the ceramic. The teapot is decorated with a transfer-printed underglaze cobalt blue pattern titled, "State House Hartford" on the bottom. The pattern shows a neoclassical, or Federal style, building. The building sits on a tall, stone first floor, with two brick storeys above it. The structure has a projecting portico with six columns, a balustrade, and four chimneys emerging from the roof. There are two tall trees on either side of the building and a fence in the background. A man with a cane or walking stick is standing on the lawn in front of the building. The pattern is printed twice on opposite sides of the teapot. Each pattern is surrounded by a circular border of white geometric shapes, then various flowers and leaves on a blue field. A border is printed at the rim of the teapot; it consists of various flowers and leaves on a blue field. The spout is decorated with printed white flowers and blue leaves, while the handle is decorated with multiple rows of small blue dots surrounded by blue circles.
The teapot had a lid at one time, but it is now missing. Additionally, the teapot was broken in half, almost diagonally from one corner to another. The break has since been repaired, with the assistance of fabric which is adhered to the inside of the teapot over the break lines. The tip of the spout has broken off and not been repaired. Portions of the ceramic, circling about half of the foot, are visible where the glaze chipped off or never covered the earthenware below.
NotesSubject Note: The Connecticut State House was designed by Charles Bulfinch of Boston, and built by Jeremiah Halsey of Preston, Connecticut, and Andrew Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. The first session of the General Assembly was held in the State House on 11 May 1796. In 1878, the State House was turned over for use as a City Hall. In 1915, the Old State House was abandoned, and used intermittently for various non-governmental purposes. Several restoration projects took place over the following years, and in 1961, the Old State House was designated a National Historic Landmark. (Hunt 11/4/2004)The teapot had a lid at one time, but it is now missing. Additionally, the teapot was broken in half, almost diagonally from one corner to another. The break has since been repaired, with the assistance of fabric which is adhered to the inside of the teapot over the break lines. The tip of the spout has broken off and not been repaired. Portions of the ceramic, circling about half of the foot, are visible where the glaze chipped off or never covered the earthenware below.
Status
Not on view
